Holiday apartment in Castignano: Middle Ages, Moccoli and Calanchi
Accommodation in Castignano
Castignano reveals its character particularly clearly where history and landscape meet. The southern escarpment is reinforced by a monumental wall with thirteen arches. The alleyways convey the atmosphere of an important and picturesque medieval centre. Castignano lies in a hilly landscape at the foot of Monte Ascensione, at approximately 475 metres above sea level. Suggestive Calanchi, clay formations shaped by erosion, surround the town. Cultural discoveries and striking natural features lie closely side by side in Castignano.
Historic Castignano between the Stele and its churches
The Stele of Castignano was found in the Castignano area and dates from the 6th century BC. Its boustrophedon inscription appears to warn a son not to violate the tomb of his father and mother. A copy of the stele stands near Piazza V. Emanuele. The present structure of the Gothic church of Santa Maria del Borgo, also known as the “Church of the Templars”, dates from the 14th century.
Sacred art and historic spaces
The Musei sistini del Piceno – Museo di arte sacra di Castignano is located in the 14th-century parish church of Santi Pietro e Paolo. The parish church contains a large 15th-century fresco of the Last Judgment; its crypt contains frescoes from the school of Carlo and Vittore Crivelli. The Polo Museale di Arte Sacra e delle Icone opened in 2009 and is housed in an 18th-century palazzo that belonged to the De Scrilli family until the 1970s. The ground-level entrance of the Polo Museale di Castignano is accessible to people with disabilities. Outside the scheduled periods, the Musei sistini del Piceno – Museo di arte sacra di Castignano opens on request for €4.00 per person; a guided tour is also possible. The church of Sant'Egidio also contains a Madonna del Rosario attributed to Simone De Magistris.
Traditions that shape Castignano
The historic carnival of Castignano is classified as a historic carnival. The Moccoli lanterns, made by local artisans, play a special role. Castignano has preserved this tradition continuously since at least 1861. During the Moccoli procession, the public lighting is switched off. On Piazza San Pietro, it culminates in a traditional battle and a purifying bonfire. Templaria is a historic festival that brings Castignano to life at the end of August.
Landscape, route and anise
The main town is home to geological formations known as mud volcanoes (vulcanelli di fango). A route leads from the main town to the Santuario S. Bernardino and on to Ripaberarda. Anise cultivation in Castignano dates back to the 15th century. In this way, geological features, paths through the hilly landscape and an old agricultural tradition come together within a compact thematic area.
Discover more destinations
San Benedetto Del Tronto, Centobuchi, Cupra Marittima, Castel Di Lama, Spinetoli, Ascoli Piceno, Ponzano, Montalto delle Marche
To the higher-level travel overview: Ascoli Piceno.
